Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Easy to Grow Surprise Lilies (Lycoris squamigera) Are Also Known as Naked Ladies

It's hard to imagine a more beautiful flower that requires so little care. Interested in having some of your own? You can read all about them (including some of their other nicknames) in Growing and Loving Surprise Lilies over on my kitchen garden blog.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Before I moved from California to Missouri in 1994, I was, among other things, a part time antiques and collectibles dealer. This side business began—as it so often does—as a way to fund my own slightly-out-of-control collecting habit. I specialized in selling things from the 1920s through the 1950s because that's what I bought for myself.

These days I'm more into hunting for heart rocks and bird nests than Bauer Pottery and bakelite jewelry (though I do still cherish my prized collection of it), but I've recently gone on a couple of local buying binges (thanks for the birthday money, mom!).

Except for a few really nice pieces of 'Made in Japan' pottery that fit perfectly with the ones I already own, I've mostly been bringing home things that not only make me happy when I see them but can also be put to good use—like a beautiful antique garden shovel and those two vintage quilts that now adorn the bed.

I've always been partial to kitchenware—everything from homemade aprons (I have a couple dozen and used to wear a different one to work each day when I had my little bakery), printed tablecloths, and bakelite handled gadgets to Pyrex refrigerator dishes, formica dinette sets and early waffle irons. Yet for some reason I never found myself drawn to old rolling pins or enamelware. This was probably a good thing. I am loving this gorgeous shade of what I call forties green—and that red stripe. I fear my collecting bug may be back.

I've also recently discovered the wonderful world of design & decorating blogs (where have I been?), many of which feature vintage finds. Decor8 is fabulous, though slightly dangerous (as in, Um, where did the last two hours just go?). I've been totally inspired to declutter The Shack, better display and make use of my treasures, and share more of them with you.

So what do you like to collect? Any favorite vintage/decorating sites?

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Talk about cute overload. Is this little guy adorable or what? I'll have more photos of him up hopefully soon—I'm headed back out to see them now. In the meantime, baby and mama Daphne are both doing fine, big sister Evie (who just had her first birthday two weeks ago) is demanding lots of extra hugs and pets, a very proud Donkey Doodle Daddy passed out congratulatory organic carrots to everyone, and I tucked a celebratory bottle of champagne in the fridge.

Love looking at longears? You'll find more donkey photos here and here, plus lots of links to Donkey Doodle Daddy photos here (all taken before his daddy days, back when he was the only donkey on the farm).